Lawsuits claim Tylenol use in pregnancy causes autism
More than 100 lawsuits have been filed against acetaminophen manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the drug's use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism and ADHD in children. These legal actions stem from scientific studies showing associations between prenatal exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. The cases highlight growing concerns over the safety of a widely used pain reliever.
The wave of litigation against Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen, centers on claims that exposure to the medication in the womb can lead to autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. According to reports, over 100 lawsuits have been consolidated in federal courts, primarily targeting Johnson & Johnson as the leading producer of the drug. These suits argue that the company failed to adequately warn pregnant women about potential risks despite emerging evidence.
Scientific backing for the claims comes from multiple studies. A 2018 study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed data from over 2,400 children and found that prolonged prenatal exposure to acetaminophen was associated with a 20% to 30% higher risk of autism diagnosis. Another 2021 study in the European Journal of Epidemiology reported similar links to ADHD. Experts emphasize that while these studies show correlations, causation remains unproven, and more research is needed.
The legal momentum built after the FDA issued a warning in 2021, advising pregnant women to limit acetaminophen use due to potential risks to fetal development. Lawyers representing plaintiffs, such as those from the Wisner Baum firm, have cited internal documents suggesting manufacturers knew of risks as early as the 1980s but did not act. One attorney stated, "The science is clear: acetaminophen during pregnancy can harm developing brains."
Johnson & Johnson has defended itself, asserting that the drug is safe when used as directed and that regulatory bodies like the FDA endorse its use in pregnancy. The company points to reviews by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which still recommend acetaminophen as the first-line pain reliever for pregnant women, though with caution.
These lawsuits are part of a broader multidistrict litigation process in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where discovery is ongoing. No trials have occurred yet, but settlements could follow if evidence strengthens. The cases underscore tensions between pharmaceutical safety, maternal health needs, and the challenges of proving drug-related harms in vulnerable populations.